Ramprakash hundred deepens Sussex depression

Sussex's dreadful start to the season failed to improve on the first day against Surrey at The Oval, as Mark Ramprakash stroked an unbeaten hundred. Scott Newman and Jon Batty put on 83 for the first wicket, paving the way for Ramprakash who smacked 18 fours and a six in his unbeaten 122. Mark Butcher (75*), Ramprakash's captain, gave him excellent support in an undefeated third wicket stand of 189 When bad light forced the players off, Surrey had moved on to 311 for 2.

There was no play between Lancashire and Worcestershire at Old Trafford due to rain.

Rain also prevented play at Edgbaston in Warwickshire's match against Durham.

Division Two

Mark Wallace was left unbeaten on 99 as Glamorgan reached 201 for 6 on the opening day of their match against Gloucestershire at Bristol. Anthony Ireland and Ashley Noffke removed both openers early on and, in helpful conditions, Gloucestershire restricted Glamorgan's batsmen to under three runs per over. Were it not for Wallace, who stroked 11 fours in his 225-ball knock, Glamorgan would be in a dreadful state: the next highest score was the sundries with 30. Mark Hardinges was the chief beneficiary with 3 for 30.

A mere 18.5 overs were possible on a persistently drizzly day at Derby, with Middlesex moving to 39 without loss after being put in by Derbyshire. Billy Godleman struck three fours in his 21 while Nick Compton remained unbeaten on 14.

There was also no play at Leicester, in Leicestershire's match against Essex.